Eagles off to Dubai
By Our reporter
Monday, April 09, 2012
Despite anxiety among players before the final list, Eagles are expected to leave today for Dubai to play the friendly international against the Pharaohs of Egypt. Assistant Coach, Dan ‘the Bull’ Amokachi, revealed that he made contacts with his boss, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, and gave him first hand information about the form and response to trainning of all the players and had been very impressed.
However, camp sources revealed that because of several reasons the list of players, who will make the trip was only made public today after training at the FIFA Goal Project site in the Federal capital. One of the reasons for delay was that officials were still banking on players from Sunshine Stars of Akure and Heartland of Owerri to make the trip, after their continental assignments yesterday.
The cavaet, however, was that the players had to prove that they were fit and injury free to make the trip to Dubai, as other players had shown that no players is indispensable in the team. “When all the 25 players were here, we assessed their fitness and form. The list was later made public. At the moment, we just have an idea of those who will make the trip. Meanwhile, the entire Super Eagles team has sent warm felicitations to the country’s number three citizen and Senate President, David Mark, on his 64th birthday.
Team Coordinator, Emmanuel Atta, said Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, sent words from his base in the United States (US) to wish the one time Communication Minister many more fruitful years in the service of the nation and humanity. Keshi, he said, was speaking on behalf of all his assistants: Dan Amokachi, Sylvanus Okpala, Ike Shorunmi, Hyundunou Valere as well as players and officials.
“We see the Senate President as a true sportsman, as he has all the time encouraged the national team and has even been sponsoring competitions in Benue. We trust that he will continue to not only support the national team but that the goodluck that has trailed him over the years will rub off on the team, as preparations reach a fever pitch for the Nations Cup and World Cup qualifiers”, Keshi was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles will depart Nigeria today for the friendly against Egypt in Dubai United Arab Emirates. Travelling arrangements were concluded at the weekend by officials of the NFF and Big Boss Stephen Keshi will join the team in Dubai for the friendly on Monday.
